Bugatti type 35

The Bugatti Type 35 is one of the most iconic racing cars ever, winning over 1000 races between 1924 and 1930.

About this subject

The Bugatti Type 35 was introduced in 1924 by Italian engineer Ettore Bugatti in France. This model revolutionized motorsport with its light and aerodynamic design, combining an eight-cylinder inline engine with a front-axle chassis and leaf-spring suspension. The technical setup included an initial 2.0-liter engine, later enlarged to 2.3 liters, capable of producing up to 130 horsepower in later versions. The four-speed manual transmission and drum brakes were standard for the era, but Bugatti's precision engineering ensured superior handling.

The Type 35 dominated racing tracks worldwide. It won the Targa Florio five consecutive times from 1925 to 1929, and also secured victories at the French Grand Prix and other Grand Prix events. The car is estimated to have accumulated over 1,000 victories, an absolute record for a single model. Its durability and performance made it the preferred choice for drivers like Louis Chiron and Achille Varzi, who helped cement Bugatti's fame.

Production of the Type 35 was limited, with an estimated 96 units manufactured between 1924 and 1926. Each specimen was hand-built in Molsheim, Alsace. The engine used an overhead camshaft driven by a vertical shaft, an innovation allowing high revs. The car's total weight was just 750 kg, thanks to aluminum body panels and components like the horseshoe-shaped front fenders.

Today, the Bugatti Type 35 is one of the most coveted automobiles among collectors, fetching millions of dollars at auctions. Its influence persists in modern sports car design, celebrated in exhibitions at the Bugatti Museum and the Mullin Automotive Museum. The combination of rarity, victorious history, and aesthetic beauty has solidified it as an eternal icon of motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bugatti Type 35s were built?

Approximately 96 Bugatti Type 35 units were produced between 1924 and 1926, all hand-assembled at the Molsheim factory in France.

Why is the Bugatti Type 35 so famous?

It is famous for winning over 1,000 races between 1924 and 1930, including five consecutive Targa Florio victories, as well as its innovative design and durability.

What engine did the Bugatti Type 35 use?

Initially a 2.0-liter inline-eight engine, later enlarged to 2.3 liters. It used an overhead camshaft driven by a vertical shaft, allowing high revs.